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​Ever since I witnessed Celestial Wolves playing a massive set on this year's edition on Dunk! festival, I've been somewhat of a fan of this band from Herzele, Belgium. I remember them being the perfect opener for the festival, playing proto-post rock with a lot of energy and immediately getting over with the audience, which isn't always easy. So when the album arrived, I couldn't really wait to play it, to get back into that awesome atmosphere and to feel those goosebumps again.

So, do I feel the goosebumps? Well, to be honest, no, I don't. However, that doesn't mean that this is a bad album, on the very contrary. This is a great album, proto-post rock with elaborate sonic landscapes, driving on a slow but energetic tempo and filling the room with beautiful music. Why no goosebumps? Well, that usually only happens when I'm in front of a stage, or when I'm listening to Pink Floyd, Anathema, Slowdive or Tiamat.

That being said, I have to be honest about this. When I wrote the previous paragraphs, I was almost halfway through the album and then 'Re-entry' started playing. While the previous songs are excellent examples of traditional post-rock, this anthem is a masterpiece, competing with the best works by Explosions In The Sky, Caspian or This Will Destroy You. 'Re-entry' is one of those tracks that transcend human interference and become something larger than just an assembly of sounds by some people in a rehearsal studio. That, my friends, causes goosebumps.

Another thing I like so much about this band, is the fact that they often remind me of my all-time favorite band, Kong (NL). On this album too, especially some of the riffs in 'Après Moi Le Dèluge', I'm back on the floor on one of their gigs, intensely enjoying the atmosphere. Finally, Monkey3 seems to be an influence on this band as well, again obviously resulting in a great blend of post-rock and a stoner related version of the genre. Like Monkey3, Celestial Wolves maintain this immersive mix of heaviness, groove and melody which is quite irresistible for most post-rock fans. In that aspect, 'Rebellion Era' is one awesome piece of music.

So, to conclude, 'Illusive Landscape Of Expression' is a splendid album, brought to you by the spin-off label of the always intriguing Dunk! Festival. In fact, after a few listens, the full-length even grows upon me, gains intensity. I can see a great future for these guys, another spot on Dunk! Festival included, be it a bit higher on the bill this time. And from there, why not support 65daysofstatic or even the previously mentioned bands. With a business card like this, they can definitely pull it off.